The Scottish Institute for Research in Economics (SIRE) is the outcome of a substantial investment in Economics Research in Scotland (approximately £21 million over 5 years) by the Scottish Funding Council and ten participating universities. It builds on the distinguished tradition of Economics in Scotland, with eminent contributions from, among others, Adam Smith and David Hume, and the more recent history of successful collaboration in the Scottish Graduate Programme in Economics, founded in 1989.

SIRE pools key areas of strength within the Scottish Economics research base in three thematic programmes:

• Behaviour, Incentives and Contracts
• Work and Well-being
• Macroeconomics, Financial Linkages and the Regions

The SIRE Executive submits annual reports to the SFC outlining activities and developments.